Ole Miss Football's 2026 Class Grows with High-Profile Commitments!

Tavares, FL, USA - As Ole Miss gears up for another thrilling college football season, the focus has shifted towards cementing a strong recruiting class for 2026. The Rebels, coming off a commendable 10-3 season in 2024—during which eight players were drafted into the NFL—are active in strengthening their roster. Coach Lane Kiffin’s team is currently laying the groundwork, with the early signing period set to kick off on December 3.

Recent developments have sparked excitement among fans. In just 24 hours, Ole Miss secured commitments from several high-profile recruits, showcasing the growing momentum of the 2026 class. Notably, Sports Illustrated highlights the addition of EDGE rusher Landon Barnes from Duncanville, Texas, and tight end JC Anderson from Mt. Zion, Illinois.

Notable Commitments

Landon Barnes, a 4-star recruit, is not just any EDGE; he’s the second-rated EDGE prospect in Texas and stands tall at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds. Committing over fierce competition from schools like Ohio State and Washington, he was drawn to the positive energy from the Ole Miss coaching staff during his visits. His pedigree reflects his potential as a high-impact player, with offers flooding in from elite programs including LSU and Georgia.

Meanwhile, tight end JC Anderson has also made waves by committing to the Rebels. The 4-star, 6-foot-6 prospect recorded an impressive junior season with 47 receptions for 535 yards and seven touchdowns. Anderson is a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the Top-10 tight end in the nation and entering Ole Miss with a wealth of talent after multiple official visits to Oxford.

But the recruiting effort doesn’t stop there. Ole Miss currently has a total of 10 recruits for the 2026 class, including notable talents like RB Damarius Yates and LB Izayia Williams, who are both ranked in the top 150 nationally. Collectively, the class has propelled Ole Miss into the top 15 in national rankings and seventh within the SEC, according to information from Clarion Ledger.

Looking Ahead

As Coach Kiffin continues to build momentum for the 2026 season, the Rebels are keeping a close eye on the 2027 recruiting class as well. Among the prospects is quarterback Malachi Zeigler, who garnered attention after his impressive showing at Notre Dame’s camp. Ranked No. 96 overall and No. 9 among quarterbacks in the On3 Industry Ranking, Zeigler has drawn interest from several programs, including Ole Miss. His skills on the field have raised eyebrows, further highlighting the competitive nature of college football recruiting.

With the early signing period approaching, the excitement is palpable. Fans eagerly await the culmination of these recruitment efforts. If the recent commitments are any indication, Ole Miss is poised to make significant strides, ensuring a bright future on the gridiron.